Rathfriland progress in Marshall Cup

Rathfriland Swifts 3

RATHFRILAND Swifts travelled to Craigavon City in the first round of the Marshall Cup and after the 90 minutes came away with the passage to the next round and a decent performance along side.

Rathfriland took the lead on five minutes when David Hollingsworth lobbed the goalkeeper from 25 yards after a great ball from Aaron Megaw while a similar lob by Joe Toal went just wide of the post.

The home side were then awarded a penalty with the referee in two minds but the shouts of appeal by the home side favoured a decision to point to the spot which made it 1–1.

Paul Campbell then connected with a great strike but the big home `keeper parried the ball away at the last minute. At the other end Alan Murray and William Morrison were superb in keeping out the home attack but Joe Toal put the visitors 2–1 with a low strike just before half time.

In the second half the Swifts continued with their good form with Philip Johnston going close and young Jordan McRoberts, making his debut for the Swifts, pulled the ball across the face of the goal with his first touch.

Rathfriland went 3–1 up when Hollingsworth rolled into the net after a shot by Joe Toal while Alan Murray, William Morrison and Anthony Cunningham all played their part in stopping the home side from scoring late on.

Overall a much improved and excellent team performance by Rathfriland who deserved their entry in round two of this competition.

TEAM: Anthony Cunningham, Lee McDowell, Aaron Megaw, Alan Murray, David Gilmore, Paul Campbell, Ryan Monaghan, Joe Toal, David Hollingsworth, Philip Johnston. Subs: Niall Maginn, Brian Magennis, Jordan McRoberts.